tourists poke holes into fence for the perfect photo at restricted mt. fuji

blocking mt. fuji: a town’s attempt to curb overcrowding

In mid-May 2024, the Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko, famous for its popular Mt. Fuji photo spot, installed a black screen blocking the view of the iconic landmark. The reason? Tourists were overcrowding the area, causing problems by blocking sidewalks, jaywalking into traffic, parking illegally, and trespassing to take photos. Despite being up for just a week, the photo barrier proved ineffective, as sightseers poked holes through it to get their shots.

the Mt. Fuji Lawson viral photo spot | image courtesy of Peter Yan, via @yantastic (also head image)

photo barrier Breached by Tourists for the Perfect Shot

The town of Fujikawaguchiko installed a large black mesh net, 2.5 meters tall and 20 meters long, along the sidewalk. This barrier was placed in front of a well-known photo spot outside a Lawson convenience store, where a clever angle made it seem like Mount Fuji was on the store’s roof. Tourists, mostly foreigners, who had traveled from all over the world to capture this viral spot, weren’t deterred by the fence. They poked holes in it to fit their cameras through. At least ten holes were discovered in the mesh net, rendering it ineffective.

Japanese officials found approximately 10 similar holes at eye level, all just the right size for a camera lens. In response, the town’s mayor announced that the net would be replaced due to the damage caused by the holes. The new screen will be made of stronger material

the holes were all just the right size for a camera lens | image via Japan Moments

image via Japan Moments

Tourists have already poked holes in the barrier installed to block the famous Mount Fuji view. At least 10 holes were found. pic.twitter.com/x1Ao3XByB6

— BlackManJapan (@BlackManJapan1) May 30, 2024